What is the gospel that is taught and proclaimed at
Westminster? It's a good question, because there are "other gospels"
(see Galatians 1:8-9). There are other versions of the "good news."

One
version of the gospel tells us that even though Jesus died for us, it's
really what WE do that matters. People have to get their behavior right
and their morality straight in order for God to accept them. The main
thing is to get others to stop doing bad things, and become good,
respectable, church-going people. Then God will welcome them. Until
then, not so much.

Another
gospel says that God's love is so deep that God affirms everyone and
everything, no matter what. The gospel gives us a hug, and makes no
claim on our lives. All that matters is being a good person, believing
in God (in any way we like), and not hurting anyone else.

Still
another gospel announces that if we enter into a deal with God and keep
our end of the bargain, then God will do his part and give us the life
we want and deserve. It's a basic quid pro quo: you scratch my back,
I'll scratch yours. Be good, and God will make you happy. Have faith,
and God will help you avoid hell. Pray, and you'll get what you ask for.
Give money, and God will give you back even more; it's a win/win.

Of
course, each of these gospels have elements of truth. God does, in
fact, want us to avoid sin and do good. God does love us
unconditionally. God does make amazing promises. But the gospel of Jesus
Christ that we strive to proclaim and live out at Westminster is more
than this. And less.

It
is simply the announcement, revealed in God’s Word, that in Jesus
Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself. While we were still
sinners, Christ died for us. By a daily living faith in Jesus, God's
free gift is made ours, and we live no longer for ourselves, but for the
One who loved us and died for us. We live no longer by our own wisdom
and power, but in the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit, who sends
every one of us out, every day, into every area of life as ambassadors
of God's ministry of reconciliation. And in responding to God, we become
transformed. Our worship and obedience are not a duty, but become a
delight. All of this results in God's glory and our inexpressible joy,
now and forever.